5 Ways to Be Artsy Without Being an Artist

If you love to walk around areas like the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco while wearing a beanie and your hipster glasses but can only draw stick figures, you might feel like you’ve somehow failed at your life’s mission. The truth is we can’t all be budding Picassos, but that doesn’t mean we’re doomed to watch Avengers: Infinity War five times (not that there’s anything wrong with that). We can live a life that’s steeped in art and culture. There are plenty of ways to be “artsy” without being an actual artist, and we’ve shared five of them below.

1. Experience Museum Mania

Do you remember that scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off when the kids went to the Art Institute in Chicago and were mesmerized by that famous pointillism painting? It was an interesting juxtaposition, as one would expect that, when not in school, kids are automatically going to just be goofing off—not mooning over art. And once you experienced being mesmerized by a painting, you’ll want to feel it again and again. The wonderful thing about museums and art institutes is that you can find them in nearly every city. No matter where you are, a day of learning (but in a fun way!) is only a car ride away.

2. Create Your Own Musical Compositions

No, you don’t have to go to school to become a composer to be able to do this. All you need is music visualizer software like the one put out by Magic. It lets you create geometric patterns that move in time with music, adjusting itself to match the volume and frequency. The dynamic visuals you create appear in 3D, resulting in colorful effects that will wow your party guests. Take any soiree from simple to superb by creating a stunning display as you play your tunes. Have a friend that can’t make your shindig? Compositions can be exported or uploaded to video sharing sites like Vimeo and YouTube.

3. Become a Groupie (No, Not Like That)

If you’re a music lover who has only attended a few concerts, you’re missing out. There is something about live music that has the power to move the soul. Many people will even tell you that they didn’t like a certain band until they saw them live, and the experience made them fans for life. If it’s in your budget, make live music an entertainment priority in your life. Sign up for apps like “Bands in Town” to get alerts on all your fave groups (make sure to become fan club members, too), so you’ll never miss another show again. This is especially wonderful if you’re looking to meet friends, as nothing has the power to unite people like an unforgettable live show. Put a hold on your Netflix nights and immerse yourself in the magical world of music.

4. Try a Paint and Sip Night

If you haven’t heard of this trend yet, you’re one of the few. These fun Paint and Sip events are all the rage, and a wonderful way to bond with buddies while letting your inner-Monet out for some fun. A local artist will typically walk you through a how-to tutorial on how to paint two designs, and you’ll pick which one appeals to you the most. Wine and nibbles are typically on hand, providing an experience that’s equal parts artistic and social. And here’s the piece de resistance—due to stellar instruction, many people walk away with pieces of art that they never thought they were capable of producing.

5. Revel in Refurbishing

Whether the term “DIY” makes your skin itch or you watch HGTV all day, there is little that can produce a bigger feeling of accomplishment than refurbishing old furniture. Don’t let that unique table you inherited from your grandmother gather dust in the attic. These days, everything you’ll need to know can found in a YouTube tutorial. Enlist the help of a veteran Home Depot employee or a fellow DIYer, gather your materials, and get to it. Don’t forget the humble brag on social media, as no one would blame you for showing off your old furniture turned new under your direction. Once you get proficient at this, you’ll likely enjoy spending your weekends shopping at flea markets, thrift stores, and local antiquing haunts.

Think you have to be the next Van Gogh to feel artsy? Think again. Experience any or all of these activities and you’ll feel like (and be) a cultured member of society.